Germany grants work visas to 80,000 foreigners
In the first half of this year, more than 80,000 foreigners who applied for visas to work in Germany were granted them. However, employer organizations find the number insufficient.
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Germany granted work visas to more than 80,000 foreigners in the first six months of the year.
According to a report by Deutsche Welle Turkish, nearly half of those who received visas were skilled workers. In the same period last year, approximately 37,000 visas had been issued to skilled workers.
It was noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued over 157,000 work-related visas in all of 2023, with 79,000 of those recipients being skilled workers.
However, according to employer organizations, the number of foreigners granted work permits is far from meeting the demand. Leading business organizations have called for the creation of a new "welcoming culture" to pave the way for labor migration to the country, taking into account the shortage of qualified personnel.
According to Peter Adrian, President of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), people who want to come to Germany should be given the message, "We are happy to welcome you here in Germany." Adrian stated that there are a series of obstacles to foreign labor migration, ranging from a difficult visa process to issues with housing and childcare.
'LACK OF QUALIFIED LABOR IS A BUSINESS RISK'
A survey conducted by the DIHK revealed that more than half of companies view the lack of qualified labor as a business risk.
Similarly, Siegfried Russwurm, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), also argued that improvements are needed regarding the migration of qualified labor. Stating that a culture of hospitality should begin at German embassies, Russwurm said, "It should be possible to register a car for traffic even without knowing German."
In 2020, the Skilled Immigration Act came into effect in Germany to encourage the migration of skilled workers. Within the framework of the law, the first part of reform-oriented practices was implemented starting last November. In this context, simplifications were introduced for the "EU Blue Card" and for those who can document their qualifications.
200 IMMIGRANTS IN GERMANY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY CARD
The impact of the "Opportunity Card" (Chancenkarte), which was implemented on June 1, on labor migration has not yet become clear.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about 200 immigrants have come to Germany with the Opportunity Card so far. To obtain this card, requirements such as at least two years of state-recognized vocational training or a corresponding university degree, as well as German or English language skills, are sought.
Those who meet the conditions for the Opportunity Card are given one year to come to Germany and look for a permanent job. Since March, skilled workers with qualifications and professional experience have been able to come to Germany and work without needing to have their credentials recognized. The annual gross salary of these individuals must be at least 40,770 euros. However, if the employer is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement is also considered sufficient.